As the galaxy celebrates a half-millennium gala, Antiquity, Earth's venerable science-philosopher, announces an ominous finding about the Earth's sun. But, esteemed though she may be, her warning is received with skepticism, especially by Marcus Vinkle, chief technician of the sun-computer SOLCOM - because Antiquity's theories rely entirely on the readings of outmoded instruments.Antiquity's three brilliant protegees have reunited for the free-spirited Morgan, who has brought performance art to unprecedented daredevil heights; Deirdre, nurturer of Earth's animals, a gentle and loving woman who yearns for an earlier era; and Jaffey, master engineer, whose systems-check of SOLCOM will determine the truth of Antiquity's findings... or will it?Morgan and Jaffey rekindle an old rivalry over Deirdre... And a fierce love triangle plays out against a background of deepening intrigue and impending disaster. For, as Antiquity battles time and the increasing odds against Earth's very survival, her own formidable mental powers appear to be failing...